Spectrum access for fixed lte user equipment

ABSTRACT

Spectrum access allocation processes and systems are described in which multiple tiers of predetermined transmission powers are enforced, and where access is established by transmission at or below the lowest predetermined transmission power. The allocation processes include provisioning a wireless interface between a spectrum access system and a user equipment that is not registered with the spectrum access system. The wireless interface permits data transfer at or below a first predetermined power setting. A request to register the user equipment with the spectrum access system is transmitted to a spectrum access server. The spectrum access server receives a message from the spectrum access server indicating that the user equipment has been registered with the spectrum access system. The user equipment is controlled to transmit data at a second predetermined power setting that is greater than the first predetermined power setting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/331,338, filed Oct. 21, 2016, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Fixed Long term evolution (LTE) User Equipment (FLUE) can transmitwireless signals at various power levels to access a network. However,when attempting to access the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)through a shared spectrum access system (SAS) framework, a FLUE cannottransmit signals that exceed certain power levels if the FLUE is notregistered with the SAS. This restriction degrades the use andperformance of the FLUE.

SUMMARY

In general, innovative aspects of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in a system that includes one or morecomputing devices and one or more storage devices storing instructionswhich when executed by the one or more computing devices, cause the oneor more computing devices to perform operations. The operations includeprovisioning a wireless interface between a spectrum access system and auser equipment that is not registered with the spectrum access system.The wireless interface permits data transfer by the user equipment at orbelow a first predetermined power setting. The operations includetransmitting, to a spectrum access server, a request to register theuser equipment with the spectrum access system. The operations includereceiving, from the spectrum access server, a message indicating thatthe user equipment has been registered with the spectrum access system.The operations include controlling the user equipment to transmit dataat a second predetermined power setting that is greater than the firstpredetermined power setting in response to receiving the messageindicating that the user equipment has been registered with the spectrumaccess system.

In some implementations, the user equipment includes a fixed long-termevolution (LTE) user equipment that includes a spectrum access client tocontrol the one or more computing devices. Transmitting the request toregister the user equipment with the spectrum access system includestransmitting the request at or below the first predetermined powersetting.

In some implementations, the one or more computing devices include aproxy device that performs registration for one or more fixed long-termevolution (LTE) user equipment including the user equipment.

In some implementations, the operations further include establishing asecond interface between the proxy device and the user equipment, andcontrolling, by the proxy device, signal transmission power of the userequipment.

In some implementations, the operations further include detecting thatthe user equipment is not connected to the proxy device, andtransmitting data from the user equipment to the spectrum access systemat or below the first predetermined power setting.

In some implementations, the first predetermined power setting is a 23dBm/10 MHz equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) setting, andthe second predetermined power setting is greater than a 23 dBm/10 MHzEIRP setting.

In some implementations, the wireless interface is a fixed long-termevolution (LTE) air link to provide access to the spectrum access systemat a Citizens Broadband Radio Service band. The Citizens Broadband RadioService band includes one of more frequencies between 3.55 GHz and 3.7GHz.

In some implementations, transmitting the request to register the userequipment with the spectrum access system includes transmitting dataindicative of (i) a GPS location of the user equipment and (ii) anantenna pattern associated with the user equipment.

In some implementations, receiving the message indicating that the userequipment has been registered with the spectrum access system includesreceiving data indicating that a license has been issued for the userequipment to access a Priority Access tier in the Citizens BroadbandRadio Service band. The Citizens Broadband Radio Service band includesone of more frequencies between 3.55 GHz and 3.7 GHz.

Other aspects include corresponding methods, systems, apparatus,computer-readable storage mediums, and computer programs configured toimplement the actions of the above-noted methods.

The details of one or more aspects described in this specification areset forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict exemplary scenarios for accessing the CBRS usinga FLUE.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a method for accessing theCBRS using a SAS client.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary system in which a FLUE having a SAS clientaccesses the CBRS.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a method for accessing theCBRS using a SAS proxy device.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary system in which a SAS proxy devicefacilitates FLUE access to the CBRS.

FIG. 6 depicts a state diagram for granting FLUE access to the CBRS.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to spectrum access allocationprocesses and systems in which multiple tiers of predeterminedtransmission powers are enforced, and where access is established bytransmission at or below the lowest predetermined transmission power.Example implementations are described in the context of CitizensBroadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum access for fixed long termevolution (LTE) user equipment.

The CBRS band is available in the S-band and can be accessed by usersthrough a three-tier shared Spectrum Access System (SAS) framework. Thethree-tiers include: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA). The Incumbent Access tier provides access torestricted authorized users and may not be open for access to users ofthe Priority Access and GAA tiers. To access the Priority Access tier,users must obtain a Priority Access License (PAL) and bid for a 10 MHzchannel between 3.55 GHz and 3.65 GHz. The GAA tier provides more openand flexible access to users relative to the Incumbent Access andPriority Access tier. A user in the GAA tier may access any portion ofthe spectrum between 3.55 GHz and 3.7 GHz that is not being utilized bya user of a higher tier, for example, Priority Access. The three-tieredSAS framework provides a dynamic method of handling the increasingnumber of wireless devices seeking broadband network access through anefficient use and allocation of available spectrum.

LTE technology is being adapted to take advantages of the flexible,broadband access offered by CBRS. For example, LTE technology may beused as a last mile technology to serve remote homes or devices therein.These devices include fixed LTE user equipment (FLUE) and may provideusers with broadband network access. In general, a FLUE may be anyelectronic device that is capable of transmitting wireless signals to anetwork at a power greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz equivalent isotropicallyradiated power (EIRP). The FLUE may be connected to or may have one ormore integrated antennas with high directivity and transmission power.For example, a FLUE may be able to transmit signals having an EIRP up to47 dBm/10 MHz using directional antenna(s).

To communicate with a wireless network, FLUEs may transmit signals atvarious power levels. However, a FLUE cannot access CBRS using signalstransmitted at powers greater than a particular EIRP threshold level,e.g., a predetermined 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP setting, unless the FLUE isalready registered with the SAS. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A,an unregistered FLUE may only communicate with an evolved base stationusing signals having power equal to or less than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP. Incontrast, as shown in FIG. 1B, a registered FLUE may communicate with anevolved base station using signals having power greater than, equal to,or less than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP. Confining unregistered FLUEs totransmit signals at powers equal to or less than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP canbe problematic particularly when FLUEs are used in last miletechnologies as the diminished signal power may result in signal lossand a break down in communications.

This specification describes solutions through which FLUEs may overcomethe above-noted problems and access the CBRS through the SAS framework.As described in further detail below, a SAS client or SAS proxy devicemay be used to facilitate the registration of a FLUE and to enable theFLUE to access the CBRS through the SAS framework at signal powersgreater than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a FLUE 210 may communicate with a SAS server230 through a base station 220. The base station 220 may be an evolvedbase station used for LTE communications. The FLUE 210 includes a SASclient 211, which controls the FLUE 210 to perform the operationsillustrated in FIG. 2. The SAS client 211 is a module that includes codefor managing communications and interactions between the FLUE 210 andthe SAS server 230. The SAS client 211 may obtain transmissionpermissions, protocols, and registration information from the SAS server230 as described in more detail below.

Initially, the FLUE 210 is not registered with the SAS and thereforecannot communicate with the base station 220 and SAS server 230 withsignals having a power greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP. At operation202, the SAS client 211 controls the FLUE 210 to transmit a registrationrequest to the SAS server 230 via base station 220. The registrationrequest is transmitted at a power level equal to or less than 23 dBm/10MHz EIRP. The registration request may include various suitableinformation about the FLUE 210, including, but not limited to, one ormore of: (i) location information identifying a location of the FLUE210; (ii) hardware information such as operating specifications of anantenna included in or attached to the FLUE 210; (iii) deviceinformation such as data identifying a make and model of the FLUE 210;(iv) software information such as data indicative of an operating systemor protocol being executed on the FLUE 210; (v) user informationindicative of a user associated with the FLUE 210; and (vi) credentialinformation such as permissions or licenses for SAS access. In somecases, the registration request may also include a request to access aparticular tier, for example the Priority Access tier, of the SASframework.

The location information may be obtained through various suitablelocation services including, for example, a Global Positioning System(GPS) service. In some cases, the FLUE 210 may include an integrated GPSmodule to provide real-time location information of the FLUE 210. Insome cases, the FLUE 210 may be attached or may communicate with a GPSdevice that can provide real-time location information of the FLUE 210.In some cases, a user interface may be provided by the FLUE 210 toenable a user or FLUE installer to enter location information and anyother suitable information such as device and antenna information.

At operation 204, the SAS server 230 processes the registration requestby verifying and authenticating the FLUE 210. To perform theverification and authentication, the SAS server 230 may verify whetherthe FLUE 210 is compatible for communications with the SAS based on theinformation provided in the registration request. For example, the SASserver 230 may determine whether the type of FLUE device, and hardwareand software in the FLUE 210 can be used to access the CBRS spectrumthrough the SAS. If the FLUE 210 is not compatible for communicationswith the SAS to access the CBRS spectrum, the authentication andverification may fail.

As an example, the SAS server 230 may determine that the antenna type onthe FLUE 210 cannot be used to transmit signals above the EIRP thresholdlevel (e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP) for accessing the CBRS spectrum as aregistered device. As another example, the SAS server 230 may determinethat the operating system or software protocols on FLUE 210 are outdatedor cannot be used for accessing the SAS. A message indicating thatregistration of the FLUE 210 failed may then be transmitted back to theFLUE 210 through base station 220.

If the FLUE 210 is compatible for communications with the SAS, the SASserver 230 may determine whether the FLUE 210 can be allocated anavailable channel in the CBRS spectrum in accordance with SAS spectrumallocation rules. For instance, the SAS server 230 may scan the CBRSspectrum to determine available channels in the three-tier SASframework.

If the registration request includes a request for Priority Access, theSAS server 230 may determine whether the FLUE 210 is associated with auser that has a PAL for spectrum access using the Priority Access tier.A PAL may be issued to a user that has successfully bid for a spectralportion between 3.55 GHz and 3.65 GHz. In general, SAS spectrum ruleslimit: the number of PALs allocated to a single applicant to a maximumthreshold number, e.g., four; time periods associated with PALs; and anumber of consecutive PALs issued to the single applicant for aparticular spectral band. If the FLUE 210 is associated with anapplicant that has a PAL for Priority Access spectral access, the SASserver 230 may allocate a Priority Access channel for FLUE 210communications and may register the FLUE 210 and its allocated channel.

If the registration request includes a request for accessing theIncumbent tier, the SAS server 230 may determine whether the FLUE 210has the required credentials for Incumbent spectrum access. For example,a security vehicle may request Incumbent access. The registrationrequest sent by the SAS client 211 in the security vehicle includes acredential that certifies the security vehicle as belonging to anincumbent user. The SAS server 230 may communicate with a credentialdatabase to verify whether the credential included in the registrationrequest matches an incumbent user's credentials in the credentialdatabase. If the credential matches, the security vehicle's registrationrequest is verified and authenticated. The SAS server 230 may thenallocate an Incumbent channel to the security vehicle, and register theallocation of the channel to the security vehicle.

If the registration request did not include a request to access aparticular tier, the SAS server 230 may determine whether PriorityAccess channels or GAA channels between 3.55 GHz and 3.7 GHz can beallocated to the FLUE 210. The SAS server 230 may identify portions ofthe CBRS spectral band that are not assigned to a Priority Access orIncumbent user. In some cases, the SAS server 230 may allocate an unusedPriority Access channel to a FLUE that does not have a PAL. If noPriority Access channel is available, the SAS server 230 may allocate anavailable GAA channel to the requesting FLUE.

In some cases, if no channel is available, the SAS server 230 maytransmit a message back to the FLUE 210 indicating that registrationfailed and that no channel is currently available. In some cases, if aFLUE 210 requested Priority Access and did not have a PAL, the SASserver 230 may transmit a message back to the FLUE 210 indicating thatregistration failed because the FLUE 210 did not have a PAL. In somecases, if a FLUE 210 requested Priority Access and did not have a PAL,the SAS server 230 may allocate a GAA channel to the FLUE 210 and informthe FLUE 210 that the FLUE 210 has been allocated a GAA channel but nota Priority Access channel.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, after processing the registrationrequest and allocating a spectral channel to the FLUE 210, in operation206, the SAS server 230 transmits a registration approval message to theFLUE 210 via base station 220. The registration approval message mayinclude information indicating the channel in the CBRS spectrumallocated to the FLUE 210, the tier associated with the allocatedchannel, and any other information (e.g., transmission power levels,transmission channel characteristics, signal modulation requirements,channel permissions, and channel allocation expiration time period) theFLUE 210 may need to access the allocated channel in the CBRS spectrum.If a FLUE 210 requested Priority Access, transmission of theregistration approval message may include data indicating that a userassociated with the FLUE 210 has a PAL for accessing the CBRS throughthe FLUE 210.

The SAS client 211 in the FLUE 210 extracts the information included inthe message received from the base station 220 and SAS server 230. TheSAS client 211 then utilizes the extracted information to configure theFLUE 210 for communications with the SAS and CBRS access. To configurethe FLUE 210, the SAS client 211 may conduct one or more operationsincluding, for example, setting the transmission power level of atransmitter through which the FLUE 210 communicates with a base station.After being configured, at operation 208, the FLUE 210 may transmit datausing signals that have power greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP to thebase station 220 and may utilize the CBRS. Accordingly, by utilizing aSAS client 211, a FLUE 210 may be able to register and subsequentlycommunicate through the SAS framework using signals that have powersgreater than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP.

In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a SAS proxy devicemay be used to configure and control the FLUE. In FIGS. 4 and 5, a FLUE410, base station 420, SAS server 430, and SAS proxy device 440 maycommunicate with each other. The base station 420 may be an evolved basestation used for LTE communications.

The SAS proxy device 440 handles SAS-related procedures and protocols onbehalf of the FLUE 410. For example, the SAS proxy device 440 mayfacilitate the registration of a plurality of FLUEs, including FLUE 410,with the SAS server 430. The SAS proxy device 440 may update or modifyprotocols for communications between the FLUE 410 and the SAS server 430without the FLUE 410 being aware of the change in protocol. In somecases, the SAS proxy device 440 may select channels or tiers in the SASframework on behalf of FLUEs. In general, the SAS proxy device 440 maybe implemented as a server in a network such a cloud network, and may beany suitable combination of hardware and software. The SAS proxy device440 can transmit wireless signals to a network at a power greater than aparticular EIRP threshold level, e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP.

The FLUE 410 may include a SAS client lite 411, which controls the FLUE410 to perform the operations illustrated in FIG. 4. The SAS client lite411 communicates with the SAS proxy device 440 and executes instructionsprovided by the SAS proxy device 440. The SAS client lite 411 maycontrol the power of signals transmitted by the FLUE 410 based oninstructions received from the SAS proxy device 440. For example, theSAS client lite 411 may, in certain instances, control the FLUE 410 totransmit signals below a particular EIRP threshold level, e.g., 23dBm/10 MHz EIRP, and, in other instances, may control the FLUE 410 totransmit signals above the particular EIRP threshold level.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, initially, the FLUE 410 is not registeredwith the SAS and therefore cannot communicate with the base station 420,SAS proxy device 440, and SAS server 430 with signals having a powergreater than a particular EIRP threshold level. The FLUE 410 maycommunicate with the SAS using signals that have a power equal to orless than the particular EIRP threshold level, e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP.At operation 402, the FLUE 410 transmits a registration message to theSAS Proxy Device 440 via the base station 420 to register itself withthe SAS proxy device 440. The registration message may include varioussuitable information about the FLUE 410, including, but not limited toone or more of: (i) location information identifying a location of theFLUE 410; (ii) hardware information such as data indicating a type ofantenna included in or attached to the FLUE 410, and antenna pattern andpower configurations; (iii) device information such as data identifyinga make and model of the FLUE 410; (iv) software information such as dataindicative of an operating system or protocol being executed on the FLUE410; (v) user information indicative of a user associated with the FLUE410; and (vi) any PALs that can be utilized by the FLUE 410. In somecases, the registration message may also include a request to access aparticular tier, for example the Priority Access tier, of the SASframework.

The SAS proxy device 440 receives the registration message and storesthe information provided by the registration message in a storagedatabase. Additionally, in response to receiving the registrationmessage, the SAS proxy device 440 establishes a secure communicationchannel with the FLUE 410, automatically generates a registrationrequest, and transmits the registration request to the SAS server 430.The registration request may include portions of or all of theinformation provided by the registration message sent by the FLUE 210including the request to access a particular tier.

The SAS server 430 performs operations 406 and 408 after receiving theregistration request from the SAS proxy device 440. Operations 406 and408 are the same as operations 204 and 206, respectively, except thatthe registration approval message is transmitted to the SAS proxy device440 instead of a FLUE.

The SAS proxy device 440 receives the registration approval message andextracts the information included in the message. The registrationapproval message may include information indicating the channel in theCBRS spectrum allocated to the FLUE 410, the tier associated with theallocated channel, and any other information (e.g., transmission powerlevels, transmission channel characteristics, channel permissions, andchannel allocation expiration time period) the FLUE 410 may need toaccess the allocated channel in the CBRS spectrum.

At operation 410, the SAS proxy device 410 transmits instructions to theSAS client lite 411 in the FLUE 410 on how to configure the FLUE 410 foraccessing the CBRS through the SAS framework. For example, the SASclient lite 411 may receive instructions to set the transmission powerlevel of the transmitter through which the FLUE 410 communicates withbase station 420 to greater than the particular EIRP threshold level,e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP. The instructions may also include additionalinformation, such as transmission channel characteristics, and channelpermissions, that the FLUE 410 utilizes for establishing communicationswith the SAS as a registered device.

After being configured, at operation 412, the FLUE 410 may transmit datausing signals that have power greater than the particular EIRP thresholdlevel, e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP, to the base station 420. Accordingly,by utilizing a SAS client lite 411 and SAS proxy device 440, a FLUE 410may be able to register and subsequently communicate through the SASframework using signals that have power greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP.

If the connection between the FLUE 410 and SAS proxy device 440 isbroken at any time, the FLUE 410 may continue to access the CBRS andcommunicate with the SAS using signals having a power equal to or lessthan the particular EIRP threshold level, e.g., 23 dBm/10 MHz.

Referring to FIG. 6, a state diagram for granting a FLUE access to theCBRS is illustrated. A FLUE operating in an “Idle” state may request toregister with the SAS to access the CBRS. The request to register may bereceived by a SAS server from a SAS client or SAS proxy device connectedto the FLUE. If the request to register is not granted or a time periodfor a granted registration request expires, the FLUE remains in an“Idle” state. If the request to register is granted, the FLUE mayoperate in a “GRANTED” state and a heartbeat process is initiated inwhich one or more heartbeat requests may be transmitted to and from theSAS server to determine a real-time operating status of the FLUE. If theheartbeat process succeeds and the operating status of the FLUEsatisfies the authentication and verification procedure described above,the FLUE operates in an “Authorized” state, and is registered with theSAS. The heartbeat process may be periodically repeated. If subsequentheartbeat requests fail, a granted heartbeat request is terminated, or atime period for a granted heartbeat request expires, the FLUE may returnto the “IDLE” or “GRANTED” state.

As noted above, when registered by the SAS, a FLUE may transmit signalshaving a power greater than a particular EIRP threshold level (e.g.,greater than a predetermined 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP setting). If the FLUE isnot registered by the SAS, the FLUE can only transmit signals having apower less than or equal to the particular EIRP threshold level (e.g.,at or below a predetermined 23 dBm/10 MHz EIRP setting).

The above examples have been described in the context of the CBRS andSAS framework. However, the spectrum access allocation process andsystems describe herein can be applied to various suitable systems inwhich multiple tiers of predetermined transmission powers are enforced,and where access is dependent upon transmission power levels of a deviceseeking spectral access.

It should be understood that implementations and/or actions described inthis specification may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry,or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structuresdisclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or incombinations of one or more of them. Implementations may be implementedas one or more computer program products, e.g., one or more modules ofcomputer program instructions encoded on a computer readable medium forexecution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.The computer readable medium may be a machine-readable storage device, amachine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition ofmatter effecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combinationof one or more of them. The term “data processing apparatus” encompassesall apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including byway of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multipleprocessors or computers. The apparatus may include, in addition tohardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computerprogram in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, aprotocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or acombination of one or more of them. A propagated signal is anartificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical,optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encodeinformation for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) may be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may bedeployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module,component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to afile in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a filethat holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in amarkup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer programmay be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification may beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform actions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performedby, and apparatus may also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors in computers that execute a computer program include, by wayof example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and anyone or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both.

Aspects described herein may be implemented in a computing system thatincludes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includesa middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes afront end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical customerinterface or a Web browser through which a customer may interact with animplementation, or any combination of one or more such back end,middleware, or front end components. The components of the system may beinterconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication,e.g., a communication network.

The computing system may include clients, devices, and servers connectedthrough one or more networks. In general, the one or more networks mayinclude and implement any secured network architectures including, forexample, an evolution of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS) architecture referred to as LTE. The one or more networks mayinclude, for instance, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), the Internet, a virtual LAN (VLAN), or any combination thereof.

The one or more networks may include one or more databases, accesspoints, base stations, one or more servers, storage systems, cloudsystems, and modules. For instance, the one or more networks may includean evolved base station that provides connections between a FLUE and aSAS server. The one or more servers may be a series of servers running anetwork operating system. The one or more servers may be used for and/orprovide cloud and/or network computing. The one or more servers mayinclude one or more SAS servers.

The databases in the networks may include a cloud database or a databasemanaged by a database management system (DBMS). A DBMS may beimplemented as an engine that controls organization, storage,management, and retrieval of data in a database. DBMSs frequentlyprovide the ability to query, backup and replicate, enforce rules,provide security, do computation, perform change and access logging, andautomate optimization. A DBMS typically includes a modeling language,data structure, database query language, and transaction mechanism. Themodeling language is used to define the schema of each database in theDBMS, according to the database model, which may include a hierarchicalmodel, network model, relational model, object model, or some otherapplicable known or convenient organization. Data structures can includefields, records, files, objects, and any other applicable known orconvenient structures for storing data. A DBMS may also include metadataabout the data that is stored.

In some implementations, the databases may include a credentialdatabase, user database, and registration database. The credentialdatabase stores data related to licenses that have been issued for SASaccess, credentials of incumbent tier users, and additional permissionsand certifications for provisioning SAS access. The registrationdatabase stores information indicating the spectral allocation tonetwork devices such as a proxy device, a FLUE, or a base station. Forexample, the registration database may store one or more of dataidentifying a device, hardware specifications of the device, softwarespecifications of the device, a channel allocated to the device, a tierin the SAS framework associated with the allocated channel, and a timeperiod after which the channel allocation expires.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular embodiments. Certain features that are described in thisspecification in the context of separate embodiments may also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment mayalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and may even be claimed as such,one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases beexcised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while actions are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such actions beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall illustrated actions be performed, to achieve desirable results.Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodimentsdescribed above should not be understood as requiring such separation inall embodiments, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems may generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

It should be understood that the phrase one or more of and the phrase atleast one of include any combination of elements. For example, thephrase one or more of A and B includes A, B, or both A and B. Similarly,the phrase at least one of A and B includes A, B, or both A and B.

Thus, particular implementations have been described. Otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims. Forexample, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in adifferent order and still achieve desirable results.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:transmitting, to a spectrum access server, a request to register a userequipment with a spectrum access system, the request being transmittedat a first predetermined equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP)power setting; receiving, from the spectrum access server, a messageindicating that the user equipment has been registered with the spectrumaccess system, the message comprising information indicating (i) achannel, in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, thatis allocated to the user equipment by the spectrum access server, and(ii) a particular tier of a plurality of spectrum access system tiersthrough which the user equipment is permitted to communicate with thespectrum access system; and in response to receiving the messageindicating that the user equipment has been registered with the spectrumaccess system, controlling, by the one or more computing devices, theuser equipment to transmit data using the allocated channel incompliance with one or more rules associated with the particular tier,the data being transmitted at a second predetermined equivalentisotropically radiated power (EIRP) power level that is greater than thefirst predetermined EIRP power level.
 2. The computer-implemented methodof claim 1, wherein: the user equipment is a fixed long term evolutionuser equipment; the first EIRP power setting is a power setting havingan EIRP power less than or equal to 23 dBm/10 MHz; the second EIRP powersetting is a power setting having an EIRP power greater than 23 dBm/10MHz; and the channel in the CBRS spectrum allocated to the userequipment by the spectrum access server is a 10 MHz channel between 3.55GHz and 3.7 GHz.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: extracting configuration data from the message indicatingthat the user equipment has been registered with the spectrum accesssystem; and configuring the user equipment according to the extractedconfiguration data, the configuring comprising: setting a transmissionpower level of an antenna of the user equipment according to the secondpredetermined equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) power levelthat is specified by the extracted configuration data.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofspectrum access system tiers comprises an Incumbent Access tier, aPriority Access tier, and a General Authorized Access tier, and if therequest to register included a request to access the Priority Accesstier, the message received from the spectrum access server includes dataindicating that a Priority Access License has been issued for the userequipment.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein therequest to register includes: (i) data identifying a location of theuser equipment; (ii) data indicative of one or more hardware componentsin the user equipment; (iii) data indicative of a make and model of theuser equipment; and (iv) data indicative of a user associated with theuser equipment.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinthe request to register includes: (i) data indicative of a credential toaccess the spectrum access system; and (ii) an identification of theparticular tier of spectrum access system.
 7. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, further comprising: determining, using a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) device, a real-time location of the userequipment; and transmitting the real-time location to the spectrumaccess server.
 8. A system comprising one or more computers and one ormore storage devices storing instructions that, when executed by the oneor more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform operationscomprising: transmitting, to a spectrum access server, a request toregister a user equipment with a spectrum access system, the requestbeing transmitted at a first predetermined equivalent isotropicallyradiated power (EIRP) power setting; receiving, from the spectrum accessserver, a message indicating that the user equipment has been registeredwith the spectrum access system, the message comprising informationindicating (i) a channel, in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)spectrum, that is allocated to the user equipment by the spectrum accessserver, and (ii) a particular tier of a plurality of spectrum accesssystem tiers through which the user equipment is permitted tocommunicate with the spectrum access system; and in response toreceiving the message indicating that the user equipment has beenregistered with the spectrum access system, controlling the userequipment to transmit data using the allocated channel in compliancewith one or more rules associated with the particular tier, the databeing transmitted at a second predetermined equivalent isotropicallyradiated power (EIRP) power level that is greater than the firstpredetermined EIRP power level.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: theuser equipment is a fixed long term evolution user equipment; the firstEIRP power setting is a power setting having an EIRP power less than orequal to 23 dBm/10 MHz; the second EIRP power setting is a power settinghaving an EIRP power greater than 23 dBm/10 MHz; and the channel in theCBRS spectrum allocated to the user equipment by the spectrum accessserver is a 10 MHz channel between 3.55 GHz and 3.7 GHz.
 10. The systemof claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise: extractingconfiguration data from the message indicating that the user equipmenthas been registered with the spectrum access system; and configuring theuser equipment according to the extracted configuration data, theconfiguring comprising: setting a transmission power level of an antennaof the user equipment according to the second predetermined equivalentisotropically radiated power (EIRP) power level that is specified by theextracted configuration data.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein theplurality of spectrum access system tiers comprises an Incumbent Accesstier, a Priority Access tier, and a General Authorized Access tier, andif the request to register included a request to access the PriorityAccess tier, the message received from the spectrum access serverincludes data indicating that a Priority Access License has been issuedfor the user equipment.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the requestto register includes: (i) data identifying a location of the userequipment; (ii) data indicative of one or more hardware components inthe user equipment; (iii) data indicative of a make and model of theuser equipment; and (iv) data indicative of a user associated with theuser equipment.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the request toregister includes: (i) data indicative of a credential to access thespectrum access system; and (ii) an identification of the particulartier of spectrum access system.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein theoperations further comprise: determining, using a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) device, a real-time location of the user equipment; andtransmitting the real-time location to the spectrum access server. 15.One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprisinginstructions, which, when executed by one or more computers, cause theone or more computers to perform actions comprising: transmitting, to aspectrum access server, a request to register a user equipment with aspectrum access system, the request being transmitted at a firstpredetermined equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) powersetting; receiving, from the spectrum access server, a messageindicating that the user equipment has been registered with the spectrumaccess system, the message comprising information indicating (i) achannel, in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, thatis allocated to the user equipment by the spectrum access server, and(ii) a particular tier of a plurality of spectrum access system tiersthrough which the user equipment is permitted to communicate with thespectrum access system; and in response to receiving the messageindicating that the user equipment has been registered with the spectrumaccess system, controlling the user equipment to transmit data using theallocated channel in compliance with one or more rules associated withthe particular tier, the data being transmitted at a secondpredetermined equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) power levelthat is greater than the first predetermined EIRP power level.
 16. Theone or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 15,wherein: the user equipment is a fixed long term evolution userequipment; the first EIRP power setting is a power setting having anEIRP power less than or equal to 23 dBm/10 MHz; the second EIRP powersetting is a power setting having an EIRP power greater than 23 dBm/10MHz; and the channel in the CBRS spectrum allocated to the userequipment by the spectrum access server is a 10 MHz channel between 3.55GHz and 3.7 GHz.
 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readablestorage media of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise:extracting configuration data from the message indicating that the userequipment has been registered with the spectrum access system; andconfiguring the user equipment according to the extracted configurationdata, the configuring comprising: setting a transmission power level ofan antenna of the user equipment according to the second predeterminedequivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) power level that isspecified by the extracted configuration data.
 18. The one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 15, wherein theplurality of spectrum access system tiers comprises an Incumbent Accesstier, a Priority Access tier, and a General Authorized Access tier, andif the request to register included a request to access the PriorityAccess tier, the message received from the spectrum access serverincludes data indicating that a Priority Access License has been issuedfor the user equipment.
 19. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media of claim 15, wherein the request toregister includes: (i) data indicative of a credential to access thespectrum access system; and (ii) an identification of the particulartier of spectrum access system.
 20. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media of claim 15, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: determining, using a Global Positioning System (GPS)device, a real-time location of the user equipment; and transmitting thereal-time location to the spectrum access server.